Grants

The Abell Foundation awards grants to nonprofit community partners working to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. We provide seed funding for innovative pilots, support for ongoing community programs and services, and funding for capital projects. In addition to providing grant funding, the Foundation supports our nonprofit partners through connection to our local and national networks, as well as our team’s deep experience in and knowledge of Baltimore as it relates to our program areas.

Learn More About Our Process

Eligibility and Review Criteria

For all nonprofit organizations seeking grant funding, regardless of the request amount. 

Small Grants Process

For grant requests of $10,000 or less.

Reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.

Regular Grants Process

For grant requests greater than $10,000.

Reviewed at one of the Foundation’s five annual Board meetings.

Submit an Application

Considering Applying for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application. For guidance on what to include in your LOI, please reference our frequently asked questions.

Submit an LOI

Ready to Apply?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

1000 Friends of Maryland

$25,000 / 2002 / Environment
For general operating expenses to support the continuation of outreach efforts designed to fight sprawl and preserve Maryland’s natural resources while encouraging controlled economic growth. These efforts will focus on the dissemination of recent reports, maps and technical assistance materials developed to educate new legislators, county officials and interested citizens on the long-term benefits of Smart Growth policies, historic tax credits, urban revitalization strategies, and preservation of vulnerable and valuable natural resources.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$100,000 / 2002 / Community Development
In support of expenses related to the St. Ambrose Legal Services initiative to fight predatory real estate practices in Baltimore City.

People’s Homesteading Group

$100,000 / 2002 / Community Development
In support of Phase II of Anchors of Hope, a homeownership program for low-income families in the Greenmount community. The program involves the acquisition and rehabilitation of eight houses that will be sold to buyers identified through the People’s Homesteading Group’s homebuyers’ counseling process.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$20,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For continuation of an initiative to clean streets and alleyways in the 22-square-block area of the Patterson Park community.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$285,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Two grants toward staffing and operating expenses to support the continuation of an effort to halt the deterioration of the neighborhoods north and east of Patterson Park, through housing acquisition and rehabilitation, rental to responsible tenants and sale to homeowners.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.